Somalia: Raids, Diplomacy, Investment

25 Feb 2026 — 2 min read

Somalia Brief: Security, diplomacy and economic steps

NISA reports killing 23+ Al-Shabaab militants in coordinated raids.The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), with international partners, carried out four planned operations across Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle this week, saying the raids killed more than 23 militants and destroyed a militant camp in Moqokori district; the actions followed intelligence of fighters preparing attacks in Waab-Weyn, Goobo and Maxaa Saciid areas. (Source: NISA statement)Why it matters: Authorities say the raids disrupted planned attacks and reflect an intensified counter‑terror campaign in Hirshabelle states.Source: NISA Kills Over 23 Al-Shabaab Militants

SNA conducts planned operation in Raage‑Eelle. Somali National Army units, including Gorgor Commandos, carried out operations west of Raage‑Eelle, targeting militant hideouts and conducting mine clearance and security inspections. (SNA operation)
Interior Ministry highlights stabilization gains in Lower Shabelle. Officials said coordinated recovery and humanitarian measures are under way along the Sabiid–Awdheegle corridor to consolidate gains in newly liberated areas. (Interior Ministry)

The Duchess of Edinburgh completed a two‑day Somalia mission. Her Royal Highness met President Hassan Sheikh, endorsed Somalia’s Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan, visited survivors of conflict‑related sexual violence and met families in Lower Shabelle. (Primary: The Duchess — full mission; also: Presidential reception)
SoDMA hosts Swedish SIDA delegation as NEOC reaches full capacity. Somalia’s National Emergency Operations Center — established with Swedish support — is now fully operational, and the Swedish delegation assessed preparedness amid ongoing drought conditions. (SoDMA / SIDA visit)

Central Bank issues 15 commercial banking licenses. The Central Bank of Somalia said it has licensed 15 commercial banks (14 local, 1 international) as part of financial sector strengthening. (Central Bank)
Finance Minister meets World Bank group on drought response. Minister Bihi Iman Egeh and the World Bank Country team reviewed active projects and explored financing measures to address the ongoing drought. (Finance Ministry / World Bank)
Minister of Ports visits Jeddah Islamic Port and Red Sea Gateway Terminal. Somalia’s ports minister led a delegation to study Saudi port management, operations and logistics to inform Somalia’s port modernization. (Minister of Ports visit)
Somalia and Kazakhstan open energy cooperation talks in Astana. Somalia’s ambassador met Kazakh energy officials, including KazMunayGas leadership, to explore oil and gas exploration, geological surveys and technical cooperation. (Somalia–Kazakhstan talks)

Survivors of conflict‑related sexual violence met directly with the Duchess in Mogadishu; UK‑funded health programs servicing 39 facilities were reviewed. (Duchess mission)
The Duchess visited a Lower Shabelle village and met wives of active‑duty soldiers, drawing attention to community resilience needs. (Duchess mission)
SoDMA’s NEOC — supported by Sweden — is now fully operational and being used to coordinate drought response and anticipatory action. (NEOC / SoDMA)
Security units are conducting mine clearance and inspections in recaptured areas to restore civilians’ freedom of movement. (SNA operation)

Follow NISA and SNA updates for official casualty confirmations, names or further operational details (NISA urged citizens to report threats via hotlines). (NISA)
Look for formal outcomes from Somalia–Kazakhstan energy talks (possible technical cooperation, geological surveys or MOUs). (Energy talks)
Watch for government and UK follow‑up on the Women, Peace and Security NAP and any new programs announced after the Duchess’s visit. (Duchess mission)
Monitor implementation steps after Central Bank licensing: openings, branch rollouts, and supervisory updates from the regulator. (Central Bank)

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA)

Compiled from public reporting; links above.